Andrew Simmons is a Registered Social Worker and therapist providing professional counselling services in British Columbia, including in-person therapy on the Gulf Islands and online therapy for clients across BC.

Andrew holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from the University of Victoria. His professional experience spans community mental health, public health, crisis intervention, and rural clinical practice. Over the course of his career he has worked in both community and healthcare settings supporting individuals and families navigating complex life challenges.

Andrew works with adults, youth, and couples facing concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, identity exploration, addiction, and major life transitions.

Andrew’s approach to therapy is engaged, thoughtful, and relational. He believes effective counselling requires both empathy and honest conversation. Many people come to therapy looking for a space where they can feel understood, but also where they can be encouraged to look at patterns, beliefs, and behaviours that may be holding them back.

Andrew integrates a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches including:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Motivational Interviewing
• Narrative Therapy
• Relationship-focused counselling

Alongside these established approaches, Andrew is also the developer of Relational Confrontation Therapy™ (RCT). Relational Confrontation Therapy™ is an emerging therapeutic model that emphasizes authentic human connection, transparency, and respectful challenge within the therapeutic relationship. Rather than avoiding difficult conversations, this approach recognizes that personal growth often happens when compassionate support is paired with honest reflection about long-standing patterns and assumptions.

RCT is grounded in the belief that therapy should be both supportive and transformative. By combining emotional safety with thoughtful challenge, the approach encourages clients to deepen self-awareness, strengthen relationships, and move toward meaningful change in their lives.

Andrew works with a wide range of individuals and couples and has particular experience supporting:

• Anxiety and depression
• Trauma and difficult life experiences
• Relationship and communication challenges
• Identity and personal growth
• LGBTQ+ clients and communities
• Youth and young adults navigating life transitions

Whether working with someone in person or through online therapy across British Columbia, Andrew focuses on building a genuine therapeutic relationship where clients feel respected, heard, and challenged in constructive ways.

At the heart of Andrew’s work is a simple belief:

People grow when they feel supported enough to be honest with themselves and courageous enough to try something different.

Starting therapy can feel uncertain. Many people wonder whether they will feel comfortable opening up, or whether therapy will actually help them move forward. Andrew’s approach is grounded in authentic conversation, curiosity, and mutual respect. Sessions are not about judgment or quick fixes. Instead, they are a space where difficult topics can be explored honestly and thoughtfully.

Clients often describe Andrew’s style as warm, grounded, and direct. He works to create a supportive environment where people feel safe enough to speak openly about what is happening in their lives.

At the same time, Andrew believes therapy should do more than simply provide a place to vent. Real change often happens when people are able to look closely at patterns in their thinking, behaviour, and relationships. When appropriate, Andrew will offer respectful challenge and honest feedback to help clients gain new insight and perspective.

This approach reflects the principles behind Relational Confrontation Therapy™ (RCT) which focuses on the balance between compassionate support and thoughtful challenge.

In practice, therapy may include:

• exploring recurring patterns in relationships
• examining beliefs that may be limiting personal growth
• building new ways of responding to stress and conflict
• strengthening communication and emotional awareness
• developing a clearer sense of personal values and direction

Each client brings a unique story and set of experiences. Andrew works collaboratively with clients to help them better understand themselves, navigate difficult situations, and move toward meaningful change.

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel like a big decision, but it can also be the beginning of meaningful change. If you are looking for a therapist who combines support, insight, and thoughtful challenge, Andrew welcomes the opportunity to work with you.

Sessions are available in person on the Gulf Islands and online across British Columbia.